Bitterly cold temperatures are here, and the Humane Society is urging you to bring your pets inside, and take precautions when they’re outside.

BRING YOUR PET INSIDE: Don’t leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your pet’s body temperature and limit time outdoors, especially to prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet. If you run with your dog, be attentive to cold paws and leave Fido at home if it gets too cold. Always keep your Kitty inside. It’s the law in the City of St. Louis. Furthermore, “outside” cats are often the victims of cars, dogs, other predators and inhumane people.

ACCLIMATE YOUR PET TO COLD WEATHER: If your pet will spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to gradually provide exposure to dropping temperatures, instead of exposing them to the extreme cold all at once.

PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER: Adequate shelter is mandatory by law. If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draft-free doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Keep straw (NOT hay) inside the doghouse. Avoid towels and blankets which can easily dampen and make the space colder.

BEWARE OF ANTIFREEZE AND ROCK SALT: Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your pet — it is lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet’s feet after being outside. Pet store often carry pet-safe ice melts that still do the job, but won’t harm your pets.

DRY OFF WET PETS: Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean his paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.

PROVIDE PLENTY OF FOOD AND WATER: It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so your pet may need additional calories if he spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. Also, provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a substitute for water. Outside water bowls will freeze; refill outside bowls often.

CAREFULLY KEEP PETS WARM INSIDE: Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Tiles and uncarpeted areas might become very cold; place blankets and pads on floors in these areas. Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach.

GROOM REGULARLY: Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold; consider a sweater or a coat. Long-haired dogs should have their paw hair clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of their feet.

To report an animal in weather-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400.

Moira, Conan, Colin, Dylan and Declan are the pets of the week from Coins 4 Critters. They are lively and loving, cute and cuddly. The kittens are just a few of the many that will be at Petco this weekend. You can see other animals available for adoption on Coins 4 Critters’ Facebook page or at www.coins4critters.org.

Two cats abandoned in a pet carrier taped shut are on the road to recovery under the care of a Courtenay vet hospital.

— image credit: CTV Vancouver Island

Two cats locked in a cage and abandoned in the bushes in the Willis Road area are on the road to recovery.

“When they came in they were completely emaciated,” Katie Halliday, a veterinary technician at Courtenay’s Van Isle Veterinary Hospital, told CTV Vancouver Island.

The seven-month-old cats were locked in a pet carrier and stashed in the bushes. The cage had been taped and was discovered by a man walking his dog on Saturday, the dog being the one that actually uncovered them.

What they found was disturbing. Showing signs of organ failure from starvation and covered in their own urine and feces, the cats had been scratching at their cage in an obvious attempt to get out. They may have been in there as longh as two weeks.

“(The black and white one) was just struggling to survive, basically,” Halliday said. “We were really worried about that one.”

The cats – apparently sisters – were carefully rehydrated and fed intravenously. It is expected they will be offered up for adoption once their recovery is complete.

The case disturbed Halliday and SPCA officials.

“This is one of those (cases) where it’s just absolutely shocking and appalling,” Halliday said. “I have never seen this kind of thing before.”

That it was done deliberately rather than neglectfully is even more disturbing. Abandoned animals are more likely to be just left in the bush and run off, not trapped in a cage. Halliday said there are options if you don’t want an animal. The most obvious and humane option is to turn them over to the SPCA. The SPCA, meanwhile, is asking the public for any information on the cats to call 1-855-622-7722.

PHOENIX, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — February is Responsible Pet Owners Month and U-Haul, the leader in do-it-yourself moving, has teamed up with PetSmart Charities to make sure your pets are happy and comfortable during your move.

According to the National Council on Pet Population and Study, “moving” is the number one reason dogs are surrendered to shelters and the number three reason for cats. Pet owners who might otherwise think they need to give their pet up when faced with a move can visit http://www.petsmartcharities.org/blog/apartment-hunting-with-your-pet for more information.

If you are planning a move with U-Haul, follow these tips to get your furry friends there safely and comfortably.

Keep your pet safe: Friends, family and moving helpers are usually a part of every move, and all the extra commotion may distress your pets. They may hide in unexpected spots, creating a tripping hazard or…even worse…they may try to dart out the door. Consider boarding your pets on the day of the move or confining them to their favorite room in the house.

Have your pet ride shotgun: Depending on your pet, you may be able to have your companion ride shotgun with you to your new home. Just as it’s important for you to buckle up, the same applies to your pet. Most pet stores carry seatbelt adapters to fit your dog. You can use a crate or kennel for a cat or other small animals. Make sure the carriers are secured and carefully positioned so they won’t be disturbed during the move.

NOTE:DO NOT transport animals in the cargo area of U-Haul equipment. U-Haul moving vans and trailers are not designed for transporting animals and do not provide proper ventilation and airflow. It is a violation of the rental agreement to transport any animals in the back of U-Haul moving vans or in U-Haul trailers.

Welcome your pet home: Finally, there will be an adjustment time for your pet once you arrive at your new home or apartment. With new rooms and smells to explore, your pet may become frightened or stressed. Show them where their new “bathroom” is located. Give them extra attention with play time and by staying home with them for a few days after the move, if possible. Empty moving boxes also can be amusing toys for both cats and dogs. Don’t believe us? Check it out this video here: Dogs, cats and boxes.

U-Haul and PetsMart want you and your pets to have the best moving experience possible. Keep these moving tips in mind…and for all your other moving needs visit your local U-Haul center or dealership, go online at www.uhaul.com or contact U-Haul Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

BREA, Calif., Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of Valentine’s Day, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s first and largest provider of pet health insurance, analyzed its database of more than 500,000 insured pets to find out how many pet owners opted for a romantic theme when naming their furry friend.

Below is VPI’s list of the top 10 most common romance-inspired names from its database of more than half million pet names (total number of pets sharing that name in parenthesis):

Top 10 Romance-Inspired Pet Names

Angel (1,120)

Beau (687)

Honey (586)

Sugar (546)

Candy (202)

Rose (187)

Sweetie (185)

Snuggles (147)

Cuddles (136)

Babe (99)

Romantic names worthy of honorable mention are “Valentine” (52 pets), “Lovey” (50 pets) and “Cupid” (35 pets). Among the less popular, but more quirky romance-inspired pet names in the VPI database are “Fluffy Snow Angel,” “Lady V Sweet Coco Love” and “Misses Kisses.” To view some of the most creative monikers selected for VPI’s Top 10 Most Unusual Pet Names of 2013, visit www.wackypetnames.com.

About Veterinary Pet InsuranceWith more than 500,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the first and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

BREA, Calif., Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of Valentine’s Day, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s first and largest provider of pet health insurance, analyzed its database of more than 500,000 insured pets to find out how many pet owners opted for a romantic theme when naming their furry friend.

Below is VPI’s list of the top 10 most common romance-inspired names from its database of more than half million pet names (total number of pets sharing that name in parenthesis):

Top 10 Romance-Inspired Pet Names

Angel (1,120)

Beau (687)

Honey (586)

Sugar (546)

Candy (202)

Rose (187)

Sweetie (185)

Snuggles (147)

Cuddles (136)

Babe (99)

Romantic names worthy of honorable mention are “Valentine” (52 pets), “Lovey” (50 pets) and “Cupid” (35 pets). Among the less popular, but more quirky romance-inspired pet names in the VPI database are “Fluffy Snow Angel,” “Lady V Sweet Coco Love” and “Misses Kisses.” To view some of the most creative monikers selected for VPI’s Top 10 Most Unusual Pet Names of 2013, visit www.wackypetnames.com.

About Veterinary Pet InsuranceWith more than 500,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the first and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — What do bobsledder Lolo Jones, figure skater Ashley Wagner and hockey player Ryan Callahan all have in common? Not only are they world-class athletes and Team USA members for the Sochi Winter Olympics, they are also pet parents.

You don’t have to ski, skate or sled to have Olympic fun with your pet, though. An estimated 4 billion people will tune in to watch the games, and millions of those will have their pets at their side. Petmate, the nation’s leading maker of innovative products pet families prefer for home, travel and play, has tips to help pet families get into the Olympic spirit.

Tip 1: Don’t spend all 18 days of the Olympics sedentary in front of the TV – couch potato isn’t a sport! Engage in healthy play with your pet with toys like the Dogzilla®Strong Chewer Dumbbell, created from durable natural rubber and infused with mouth-watering chicken flavor, designed to hold up to tough chewers and teethers. The Chuckit!®Fetch Wheel® is a great way to play Ground Pursuit games with your dog – fetch, roll and bounce. For cats, the JW®Cataction® Feather Ball is a natural rubber ball from the top-selling Hol-ee™ line filled with feathery pieces that stimulate the senses and encourage swatting and pouncing.

Tip 2: Keep your pet in tip-top shape with the right amount of food and water. Athletes know that proper nutrition and hydration are key during competition. The Petmate Portion Right® Programmable Feeder allows for convenient and beneficial feeding with electronic and programmable options for portion control to keep pets trim. The Petmate Replendish® Waterer hydrates the right way with an advanced filtration system that removes chemicals and chlorine, and Microban® protection that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Tip 3: Create your own Olympic Village for your pet to allow him to relax and recharge after a long day of competition. Soothe sore muscles with the Aspen Pet®Cooling Mat by Petmate. It employs the same technology found in gel face masks, with a cooling material that conforms to ambient room temperature. The non-toxic cooling gel absorbs body heat, and it’s hassle-free, with no water or refrigeration required. Then, warm up with the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed, which features the same self-warming technology as Mylar space blankets. The bed creates a safe, convenient way for pets to stay comfortable in colder climates, with warm and cozy fabrics including faux lamb’s wool plush.

“Pets are natural athletes and enjoy interactive play with an element of competition,” said Petmate Manager of Corporate Communications Emilye Schmale. “Much like our Olympic athletes, it is important for pets to stay physically active, eat healthy portions, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to stay on top of their game. Petmate’s wide variety of products promotes each these important healthy habits.”